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Committee advances SB 302 to let adults ride without motorcycle helmets if they have health coverage; measure clears committee 10-4
Summary
SB 302, which would allow adults 18 and older to ride motorcycles without helmets provided they have health insurance that covers crash injuries, passed committee 10-4 after members debated safety, enforcement and which insurers would qualify.
A Senate committee advanced SB 302 after debate over safety and enforcement; the committee recorded a 10-4 favorable vote.
The bill would allow people 18 and older to operate or ride on motorcycles without wearing approved protective headgear if they maintain "appropriate health insurance" that provides medical benefits for injuries sustained in a crash. The sponsor described the change as allowing an adult choice already available in some other states, according to remarks in the hearing.
Several senators raised safety concerns and questions about how the health-insurance requirement would be verified. Senator Coleman, who opposed the bill in committee, said she was "trying to protect folks even when they don't know to protect themselves," and urged further work to verify what insurance would qualify and whether cards or other proof would be sufficient.
Senator Eric Smithman suggested that proof of insurance be kept on the rider, likening it to the requirement for motorists to carry proof of auto insurance. Other senators pressed whether public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE would count under the bill; one member noted that existing hospital-lien law raises questions about whether certain payers are treated the same as private health insurance.
Supporters said the bill responds to constituent preference and noted similar laws in other states. Opponents cited public-health data and the risk of more severe injuries if helmets were not required. A senator present during committee expressed personal concern about increased personal-injury cases for attorneys.
The motion to advance SB 302 was made by Senator Williams and seconded by Senator Shellnut; the committee roll call was announced as 10 in favor and 4 opposed.
Votes at a glance: Motion to advance SB 302 — Mover: Senator Williams; Second: Senator Shellnut; Committee vote: 10 yes, 4 no.
